"US Youth Soccer looks forward each year to spearheading the Youth Soccer Month initiative. We take great pride in promoting the benefits of playing this wonderful sport including fun, family, friendship and fitness," said John Sutter, president of US Youth Soccer. "More American children play organized soccer than any other sport. This celebration furthers US Youth Soccer's mission to foster the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of America's youth through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition."

Merck Consumer Care’s Active Family Project has partnered with US Youth Soccer to encourage families to Play For A Change this September. The program promotes being active together as a family through soccer, while also making a positive change in the lives of those less fortunate. To celebrate Youth Soccer Month, the Active Family Project will donate a minimum of 75 soccer kits to US Youth Soccer (valued at $15,000 for 75 kits), filled with the equipment needed for kids in underserved communities to play. For every 100 engagements (likes, shares or comments by users) on the Active Family Project Facebook® page, during the month of September, consumers can help enable an additional donation of up to 50 more soccer kits (valued at $10,000 for 50 kits).

Todd Roby, US Youth Soccer director of marketing and communications, said, "With more than 3 million American children registered with the US Youth Soccer, soccer is currently the No. 1 youth participation sport in the country. Recognizing the number of families with this shared value for the outdoors and athletics, joining forces with the Active Family Project for its Play For A Change program is the perfect fit for us."

Throughout the month, in addition to promoting the benefits of youth soccer, several chances to win soccer-related prizes will be available online. From ways to help other communities to the annual Ball-A-Day Giveaway; follow the celebration online using #YSM2013. You’ll have a chance to win the Back-to-School, Back-to-Soccer backpack kit, autographed U.S. National Team jerseys and some items recognizing U.S. Soccer Federation’s Centennial Anniversary.

Each week during Youth Soccer Month will focus on a different message celebrating soccer. The four messages of Youth Soccer month are:

Fun: (Week of September 2)

Whether recreational or competitive in nature, involvement in soccer is easy, affordable and rewarding.

Family: (Week of September 9)

Playing soccer ties families together as schedules, vacations and family time are coordinated.

Friendship: (Week of September 16)

The relationships generated through playing soccer extend beyond the field.

Fitness: (Week of September 23)

The health and fitness (physical, psychological and social) benefits of playing soccer.

Youth Soccer Month 2013 includes working with local leadership to organize grassroots public affairs campaigns, numerous local events and media relations initiatives. To kickoff the fun, US Youth Soccer has set apart the first Wednesday, Sept. 4, to hold the second annual Street Soccer Day. To participate, organize a time and place for players to come and play pick-up games. Several college events are scheduled, where spectators will receive Youth Soccer Month hand fans, T-shirts, and Youth Soccer Month banners as they cheer on their team.